hi. please help your confused female friend here.
I have a 2004 montero limited
is the transfer case and rear differential are the same part?
is there any manual that shows how to replace the oil in them and where are they located?
(don't worry, i"ll make my husband do it ;-) )

thanks for your help!

 

Transfer case and rear differential are different parts. They are on two opposite ends of the drive shafts. Transfer case (TC) is bolted directly to the back of transmission. TC will have one drive shaft going from it towards the back of the vehicle and another one toward the front. The rear differential is in the back, between the rear wheels. If you have full size Montero, differential is sitting inside the cage like carrier structure right under the body of the vehicle.
A good advice is to always unbolt the filler plug before draining the TC or differential (so you don't empty oil out without being able to refill it).
The TC and differential will likely use different oils. You need regular 80w-90 oil in the transfer case, but if you have a limited slip differential (likely option on the Limited Montero) you will need oil designed for LSD.
Attached are two pdf files showing locations of filler plugs on the transfer case and on the differentials.

 

thank you for your help!
how can i know if my 04 montero limited has a limited slip differential?

 

I believe all '01-'06 generation Montero (full size) came with the limited slip differential in the back. At the very least all Limited trim level had them.

 

Amsoil gear oil is one of the best. You will need two different types of fluid for
Transfer Case and Differentials.

Good luck!